Component guide
Motherboard
The main board connects the processor, memory, storage and expansion cards. It allows components to communicate with one another.
How does it work?
The motherboard contains circuits, connectors and expansion slots. UEFI firmware initializes hardware at startup and lets you configure settings before the operating system loads.
Concepts you should know
Key concepts: the socket, chipset, RAM slots and connectors determine which parts are compatible. Its form factor must also fit the case.
An everyday example
When you connect a storage drive, the board provides a communication path so the system can read its files.
How it connects to the rest of the computer
Connects the CPU, RAM, storage and expansion cards. Processor compatibility may also depend on the firmware version.
References and further reading
Explore these guides and resources for more detail. Links open in a new tab.